"To get three points will be massive - we'll be in a much better position in the table. But it is just as important to start 2019 well," he said.

"Some people underestimate the great job Javi Gracia is doing [at Watford]. They are playing well, they can compete against anyone, they can keep the ball and defend, and they have some strength physically."

Watford finished the first half of the season in 10th position in the Premier League.

They lost 2-1 at home to Chelsea last time out, having beaten Cardiff and West Ham in their previous two matches.

1:42

Watch a preview of this weekend's Premier League games

Watch a preview of this weekend's Premier League games

Team news

With Shelvey back in action, Benitez has only Karl Darlow (elbow) and Ciaran Clark (ankle) missing, with Florian Lejeune now available after a lengthy lay-off with knee ligament damage.

Watford will be without Christian Kabasele. The defender was hospitalised after colliding with a goal post during the defeat to Chelsea, though he appears to have escaped serious injury.

Will Hughes (hip), Andre Gray (leg), Sebastian Prodl (knee) and Adalberto Penaranda (foot) were all absent on Boxing Day and could remain out.

1:56

Newcastle's only objective for 2019 is to 'stay up', says manager Rafa Benitez, who refused to discuss the January transfer window

Newcastle's only objective for 2019 is to 'stay up', says manager Rafa Benitez, who refused to discuss the January transfer window

Opta stats

Watford have won four of their last five Premier League meetings with Newcastle (L1), after failing to win any of their first four against the Magpies in the competition (D2 L2).

Newcastle won the reverse fixture earlier this season courtesy of a goal from Ayoze Perez - they last won consecutive matches against Watford in February 2010 in the Championship.

Newcastle have lost their last three away games against Watford in all competitions - their longest losing streak away to the Hornets.

Watford have lost three of their last four home league games, as many as they had in their first 13 at Vicarage Road under manager Javier Gracia (W8 D2 L3).

Newcastle have failed to score in their last two Premier League games, last failing to score in three in a row in January 2016 under Steve McClaren.

Watford's Andre Gray found the back of the net in both fixtures against Newcastle last season, accounting for 25% of his total Premier League goals for the Hornets (2/8).

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Merson's prediction

Newcastle were very poor against Liverpool, and I don't think they even had a shot against Fulham. They will make it hard for Watford, they just don't score any goals, and they will get punished by a Watford side with plenty of firepower going forward. Newcastle have the players capable of causing damage, but this isn't the game for them.